The goalie is allowed to pick up the ball, within their own penalty area, when last touched by the opposing team. Once the ball has been obtained, the goalie:

must put the ball back into play within 6 seconds

is not allowed to handle the ball with the hands outside of the penalty area

is not allowed to kick or throw the ball across the center line in the air (U6, U8 only)

Protecting the goalie

In order to protect the goalie, the following restrictions are imposed on the other players.

Remember the goalie’s hand (or face) is no match for a swinging foot. Serious violations of these restrictions may result in being cautioned or sent off in addition to a free kick awarded to the goalkeeper’s team.

Infringements/Sanctions

If the goalie handles the ball with the hands outside the penalty area, the opposing team is awarded a direct kick at the place where the infraction occurred. This rule takes precedence over all others.

If the goalie delays the game more than 6 seconds, the opposing team is awarded an indirect kick at the place where the infraction occurred.

U10, U12, U15 - If the infraction occurred within the goal area, then the kick is awarded at the closet point outside the goal area.

Once the goalie puts the ball in play and another player does not touch it, if the goalie once again uses their hands, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team per the restrictions noted above.

If the goalie kicks or throws the ball across the centerline in the air, the opposing team is awarded an indirect kick at the point where the ball crossed the centerline. – U10

If the goalies handles the ball from a pass (not a deflection) or throw in taken by a teammate, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick at the place where the goalkeeper handled the ball. Per the restrictions noted above.

· Once the goalie has control of the ball, other players may not attempt to keep playing it. Control in this case includes merely having a hand on it.

· Another player must not interfere with a Goalie preventing the goalie from getting rid of the ball.

· When contesting for a loose ball, efforts must be made to avoid injuring the goalkeeper.